Word · adjective · often describes an explanation, excuse, or theory · C2 · Neutral · evaluating explanations and claims; can also suggest doubt
plausible
PLAW-zuh-buhl Stress the first syllable; the s sounds like z, and the final syllables stay light.
Seeming reasonable and believable, although not necessarily true or proven.
uverljiv; koji deluje razumno i moguće
Use it
A delayed train is a plausible explanation for her late arrival, but no one has checked the timetable.
The explanation makes sense without being established as fact.
His excuse sounded plausible until we noticed that the receipt was dated a week earlier.
An initially believable explanation can turn out to be false.
Build the sentence
a plausible + explanation/excuse/theory · seem/sound plausible · it is plausible that + clause
Memory scene
Muddy pawprints lead from a tipped-over plant toward a dog. The dog could explain the mess, but an open window leaves another possibility. A believable story still needs checking.
Watch out
Plausible does not mean proven or necessarily probable: a believable explanation may still be wrong. It does not automatically mean deceptive, either. When it describes a person, it can be disapproving and suggest someone who sounds honest but may be misleading.
Nearby language
Also means believable and often emphasizes whether a source or claim deserves belief.
Only says something can happen or be true; it need not sound like a reasonable explanation.
Says something is likely to happen or be true, a different judgment from sounding believable.
Make it yours
Kolega kaže da poruka nije stigla zbog kvara servera. To ima smisla, ali još niste proverili evidenciju.